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Legislators Consider State Emergency Operations Center Proposal

Members of Minnesota’s House public safety committee are considering a plan for a new State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and HSEM offices in Arden Hills. HSEM Director Joe Kelly recently presented the $33.6 million plan at the capitolat the request of legislators.

He noted that HSEM’s current SEOC in downtown St. Paul is too small, has accessibility concerns, and inadequate communications capabilities. The SEOC is activated for statewide emergencies such as the Avian Flu and severe weather disasters. But it can also be utilized for events such as Super Bowl LII.

State Disaster Aid Spurs Recovery in Clarks Grove

It’s hard to imagine that several Minnesota communities could be cleaning up from a tornado when we still have snow on the ground. But that’s exactly what happened one year ago in Clarks Grove. The earliest tornadoes on record for Minnesota touched down on March 6, 2017, leaving behind plenty of damage.

Damages to the Clarks Grove Fire Department were so severe, engineers determined it to be unsalvageable. Thanks to the State Disaster Contingency account, Clarks Grove will be able to build a new fire station by summer’s end. HSEM disaster recovery staff are working with city officials through this process. Without the State Disaster Contingency Account, the town would have had to find the funding to pay for the recovery.

Deadly Shooting Puts Focus on School Safety

Minnesota school safety protocols are taking center stage following the deadly shooting at a high school in Florida. The Minnesota School Safety Center (MnSSC) conducts an average of 200 training sessions at districts around the state every year. From public, to private, to charter, and tribal schools, the MnSSC meets with administrators, educators and first responders to advise schools on a 360-degree, multifaceted approach to school safety. This includes providing recommendations for:

In addition, the MnSSC provides guidance to districts when developing their emergency operations plans, which are required by state law. Schools must also conduct five lockdown drills, five fire drills and one severe weather drill per year.

Nuclear Attacks: Preparation and Response

​For information on how to prepare for and respond to an actual nuclear attack, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Ready.Gov website.

This resource explains the hazards of a nuclear explosion and the necessity to take shelter if one occurs. It outlines what to do before, during, and after such an event.